Monday, February 4, 2013

Lamborghini announces commitment to GT3 program!

Automobili Lamborghini has announced a new GT3 motorsport program. The long-term agreement will commence with a new car for the 2013 and 2014 seasons: the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 FL2, developed by Reiter Engineering in cooperation with Lamborghini’s R&D motorsport department.

Based on the new Gallardo MY13, a focus of the new GT3 FL2’s development is on long-distance performance and includes ‘24-hour’ brakes, improved engine cooling and reduced fuel consumption. The car features a highly efficient aero kit, a new front splitter, a rear carbon diffuser based on that
developed for the Super Trofeo and an overall improved power to weight performance, with the GT3 FL2’s weight reduced by 25kg over the previous Gallardo GT3.

Although German-based Reiter Engineering has successfully developed its own Lamborghini GT cars since 2000, securing 199 victories and 350 podium positions within GT championships since 2007, this is the first time a GT3 contender will be co-developed in direct collaboration with Lamborghini.

“We are delighted to announce a minimum five-year agreement with Reiter Engineering as our exclusive development and supply partner for Lamborghini GT3 cars, based on Reiter’s strong engineering skills, passion for and understanding of the Lamborghini brand and, of course, obvious racing success,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “We are committed to supporting racing in Europe and Asia in 2013 with expansion into the USA in 2014: GT3 racing, together with our highly successful mono marque Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series
in Europe, Asia and this year the USA, are a clear fit with the Lamborghini
brand, where we take the prowess of our super sports cars from the road to the track.”

First confirmed deliveries of the new Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 FL2 to teams in Europe and Asia will commence in March 2013, participating in series including the Blancpain Endurance Series, the Asia Le Mans Series and the Italian GT3 Championship.

An expanded in-house motorsport team within Lamborghini’s R&D department will oversee the GT3 race programme, under the guise of Lamborghini Squadra Corse: a department dedicated to motorsport including GT3, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series, and a customer driving program.

From 2013, the Squadra Corse will provide an integrated approach to Lamborghini driving experiences. A new series of ‘Esperienza’ events provide enthusiasts and prospects with opportunity for a first test-drive and to experience the world of Lamborghini. The Lamborghini Academies, on both track and ice, provide driver training and the initial steps towards racing. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series provides the perfect first race experience for young and gentleman drivers, with the Lamborghini GT3 for more experienced racers wanting to compete with the Lamborghini marque worldwide.